NDPC Calls for Long-Term Development Plan Beyond Political Manifestos Development planning expert Dr. Thompson has called for a shift from politically driven development agendas to a long-term national development framework that transcends electoral cycles and partisan interests. Speaking on the country's development challenges, Dr. Thompson stressed that political manifestos are primarily political documents and should not be mistaken for comprehensive blueprints for national growth. According to him, Ghana can no longer afford to base its development agenda on short-term four-year plans linked to election cycles. He argued that the country needs a strategic long-term vision that clearly defines its future aspirations while addressing structural weaknesses that have hindered sustainable development over the years. Dr. Thompson highlighted significant regional and socioeconomic disparities across the country, noting that population growth and economic opportunities remain heavily co

*Ghana Speaker Bagin Hosts 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference, Urges Continent to Defend Family + Sovereignty* Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, today opened the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty, and Values with a call for African nations to anchor laws in cultural heritage while rejecting external pressure on domestic legislation. Speaking at the gathering of Speakers, MPs, diplomats and traditional leaders, Bagbin framed the family as “the smallest unit of governance on Earth” and the foundation of true sovereignty. “True sovereignty does not begin at our national borders or within legislative chambers; it is born, nurtured, and sustained in the African family,” he said. Rt Hon Speaker, Alban Bagbin warned that tying development assistance, trade deals, or resource agreements to legal changes “violates the principle of sovereign equality enshrined in the UN Charter. He argued African parliaments

“Less PR, more delivery” - Abu Jinapor urges focus on logistics as 1,500+ Ghanaians remain stranded in SA evacuation* The member of parliament for Damongo, Mr Abu Jinapor has praised Ghana’s first evacuation flight of three hundred (300) citizens from South Africa but warned against early celebrations. Calling it “commendable, not unprecedented,” he pointed to past operations by former president H.E Jerry John Rawlings evacuations from Liberia/Sierra Leone civil wars, and Akufo-Addo’s nine thousand (9,000) airlifts from Ukraine during COVID. According to him, a thousand five hundred (1,500) Ghanaians have registered to return but are “stranded” after registration was suspended. “300 down, 1500+ to go. Focus on delivery, not cameras/welcoming ceremonies.”

*Ghana Opens 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on African Family Values and Sovereignty, Calls for Consensus and Practical Action* Parliamentarian, chiefs, faith leaders and delegates from across Africa gathered in Accra on Wednesday June 3 2026 for the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on African Family Values and Sovereignty, with Ghana urging the continent to move from declarations to concrete policies that protect families and deepen economic independence. Delivering the opening address on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah told delegates that the conference arrives at a “consequential moment” for Africa, as debates over identity, governance and development grow more urgent. “There are certain places on our continent where history still speaks with unusual clarity. Ghana is one of those places,” He said. “It was from this land that the call for African freedom echoed across the continent. It was here that Kwame Nkrumah challenge

*Pan African Parliament Requests Ministerial Benefits for Hon. Dr. Agyeman Rawlings* The Pan African Parliament has formally requested that the Government of Ghana facilitate the provision of ministerial-level benefits for Hon. Dr. Agyeman Rawlings in her capacity as Vice President of the continental legislative body. In a communication addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Pan African Parliament noted that Hon. Dr. Rawlings currently enjoys ministerial status not only in her host country, South Africa, but also across the African continent by virtue of her position. The institution said the status comes with certain courtesy measures and entitlements necessary for the effective discharge of her responsibilities. The benefits outlined include an appropriate official vehicle, VIP protection, access to state protocol services, financial support, an official office, and support staff. “The Pan African Parliament respectfully requests Your Excellency to facilitate the provision o

[02/06, 15:22] Philomena Kutu Blankson , Sata Radio: Speaker Bagbin Calls for Reconsideration of Bill to Strengthen Consensus and Procedural Integrity The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to reconsider a pending bill before its final enactment, stressing the importance of procedural integrity, national unity, and broad-based consensus. Addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that his intervention is consistent with his constitutional and parliamentary responsibilities to promote consensus on matters under consideration. “This statement is consistent with my obligation under Order 20, Rule 4(b) of the Standing Orders to promote consensus on matters under consideration in the House,” he stated. “It is with this conviction that I invite Honourable Members to reflect on whether further consideration of this matter may better secure public confidence, national unity, collective ownership of the bill, and resp

Speaker Bagbin Calls for Reconsideration of Bill to Strengthen Consensus and Procedural Integrity The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to reconsider a pending bill before its final enactment, stressing the importance of procedural integrity, national unity, and broad-based consensus. Addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that his intervention is consistent with his constitutional and parliamentary responsibilities to promote consensus on matters under consideration. “This statement is consistent with my obligation under Order 20, Rule 4(b) of the Standing Orders to promote consensus on matters under consideration in the House,” he stated. “It is with this conviction that I invite Honourable Members to reflect on whether further consideration of this matter may better secure public confidence, national unity, collective ownership of the bill, and respect for the faith, laws, and aspirations of the natio

The Minority caucus called for the old bill passed by the 8th Parliament to be presented to President Mahama for approval.

*Minority Caucus Presents “Original State” of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill in Parliament* The Minority Caucus in Parliament has presented what it describes as the “Original State” of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. The presentation was led by Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South. The move comes after Parliament passes the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. The bill, which has been the subject of extensive public debate, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and related advocacy in Ghana. According to the Minority Caucus, the presentation was intended to clarify the initial form and intent of the bill as introduced, and to ensure that any amendments made during the committee and plenary stages are done with full reference to the original text. Hon. Ntim Fordjour, speaking on behalf of the caucus, stated that the exercise was part of efforts to maintain transparency in the legislative process.

*Hon. James Enu Backs LGBTQ Bill After Committee Review, Calls for Amendments* Hon. James Enu, Member of Parliament for Tema West and Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, has commented on the passage of the LGBTQ Bill, outlining the committee’s review process and the need for amendments to certain provisions. According to Hon. Enu, the bill was referred to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee for detailed scrutiny. As part of its mandate, the committee held engagements with a wide range of stakeholders to gather views and expert input. Those consulted included traditional leaders, Christian and Muslim religious leaders, the Ghana AIDS Commission, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). “The committee considered the contributions of all stakeholders in our deliberations,” Hon. Enu stated. He explained that after examining the provisions of the bill, the committee identified areas that requ

ANTI-LGBTQ+ BILL WILL BE PASSED IN TWO WEEKS- MAHAMA AYARIGA Ghana's highly contested Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (the anti-LGBT bill) remains in parliament, currently under active legislative review. It criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+, imposes up to three years in prison for same-sex relations, and sets up to five years for advocating or funding LGBTQ+ activities. The Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has disclosed that the Anti- LGBT bill will be passed by two weeks time. According to him, he can not stand against the passage of the bill in his right senses. He said this on the floor of parliament during the debate on the Anti- LGBT bill when the sponsored of the bill presented their report on the floor of Parliament.

*Minority Calls for Immediate Opening of Weija Children’s Hospital, Dismisses Procurement Claims* The minority caucus in parliament has demanded the immediate opening of the Weija Children’s Hospital, arguing there is “no further reason for delays” and accusing the government of using procurement disputes as an excuse. Speaking at a press conference on May 28, 2026, the member of parliament for Effiduase- Asokore Nana Ayew Afriyie said the 120-bed facility in the Weija catchment area is ready for use and should be operational to serve the local population and create jobs for unemployed youth, nurses, and lab physicians. From 40 to 120 beds with World Bank funding The hospital was originally a 40-bed facility but was expanded to 120 beds under an NPP government initiative. According to the minority, the project was funded through IDA financing as part of post-COVID allocations from the World Bank. The goal was to leave a “legacy from COVID” by establishing a befitting children’